The number of measles cases in the European region doubled last year, reaching the highest level in 25 years, according to health officials. A recent analysis indicated that children under the age of five accounted for more than 40% of the reported cases in Europe and central Asia.
Health authorities have described the resurgence as a wake-up call, stressing that without high vaccination rates, public health security is at risk. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is 97% effective in preventing the disease.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughs and sneezes. Common symptoms include high fever, sore and watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing. In severe cases, the virus can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.
The analysis, covering 53 countries, revealed that 127,350 measles cases were reported in the European region in 2024, the highest since 1997. A total of 38 deaths had been recorded as of early March 2025.
Measles cases had been on the decline since 1997, but the trend reversed in 2018-19 and rose significantly in 2023-24. This surge has been linked to a decline in immunization rates during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many countries have yet to restore pre-pandemic vaccination levels, increasing the risk of further outbreaks.
The European region accounted for a third of all global measles cases in 2024. Among affected countries, Romania reported the highest number of cases, followed by Kazakhstan. The rise in cases has prompted health authorities to urge governments to take swift action to curb the spread of the virus.
Beyond Europe, cases have also been reported in North America. The disease, which was considered eliminated in the US in 2000, has begun spreading there and in Canada. Recently, two deaths linked to measles were reported in the US.
Falling vaccination rates have been widely blamed for the resurgence. Data from health agencies indicate that in Europe, eight out of ten people diagnosed with measles last year were unvaccinated. Estimates from 2023 showed that only four countries Hungary, Malta, Portugal, and Slovakia had met the 95% vaccination threshold required to prevent outbreaks.
Concerns have also been raised in the UK, where vaccination rates for two doses have dropped below 90%. Experts have warned against misinformation surrounding vaccines, particularly on social media, where inaccurate claims can spread quickly and influence public perception.
Health professionals stress the importance of relying on scientifically backed sources for vaccine information. The recent rise in measles cases serves as a reminder of the critical role of immunization in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
